The San Antonio Spurs took to the court on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, looking to build on the momentum from their recent win against the Pelicans. The Blazers seemed to have the upper hand early, dominating the first half. However, things took a turn when one of their key players, Chris Paul, was ejected from the game. From that moment on, the Portland Trail Blazers struggled to maintain control. And the Spurs seized the opportunity to capitalize on the shift in momentum.
Fans, however, were furious over Paul’s actions that led to his dismissal, adding extra drama to the already intense game. Paul received two technical fouls in the first quarter. The first came during a dribbling exchange with an opponent, and the second occurred while the Blazers were attempting a free throw.
It was alleged that Paul insulted the referee, saying, “YOU ACTING LIKE THE POLICE,” which ultimately led to his dismissal from the game.
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Paul managed to contribute 5 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds during his brief first-quarter appearance. His ejection also left Victor Wembenyama to take the lead for the San Antonio Spurs, stepping up as the sole driving force for the team. The French man scored 28 points, carrying the Black & Silver to a narrow 118-116 victory over Portland.
Well, the Spurs appeared to be heading toward defeat as they trailed and lost momentum in the third quarter. Although they ultimately secured the win, fans expressed frustration over CP3’s earlier behavior, which could have jeopardized their chances of victory. Social media lit up with criticisms, with many calling out Paul’s behavior as immature and unbefitting of a veteran.
Chris Paul’s ejection sparks fan outrage over his petty behavior
As a 20-year veteran, Chris Paul is expected to lead with maturity, avoiding unnecessary trash talk or arguments with referees. However, his recent behavior didn’t align with that expectation. One fan even suggested that Paul should retire, given that he only has a few years left in his career, implying his actions no longer reflect the experience and composure expected from someone of his stature in the league. “Chris Paul 40 still acting like a lil kid is crazy. Bro need to retire talking he got 2-3 years left.“
Chris Paul 40 still acting like a lil kid is crazy. Bro need to retire talking he got 2-3 years left. https://t.co/eoROz5GhAE
— Daniel (@ross320701) December 14, 2024
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Paul’s ejection near the end of the first quarter came when the Spurs were riding high, finishing the period with a commanding 12-point lead. However, their momentum faltered in the second quarter, and by the third, the Trail Blazers had not only erased the deficit but also taken control of the game.
Outscored by 16 points in the third quarter, the Spurs’ chances of victory seemed slim. The Trail Blazers’ resurgence following Paul’s removal led one fan to speculate that his absence might cost the Spurs the game. “Chris Paul getting ejected is going to kill this game. Terrible night for him to do that already down two guards,” followed by a face-smacking emoji.
Another, frustrated by Paul’s actions, vented their disappointment with harsh language and called Paul a “b—h.” Well, in all honesty, his ejection came as a surprise, catching many off guard. A trash-talking exchange with the referee after the Trail Blazers received free throws caused the incident, leading to his dismissal.
The ejection occurred subtly, leaving some fans confused about the cause. One user expressed their bewilderment, posting, “I’m so confused. Can someone please tell me how Chris Paul “crashed out” and got ejected?”
While most fans expressed frustration over Paul’s actions, one added a humorous twist to the drama. As Paul walked off the court following his second technical foul, his assertive stride and demeanor caught the fan’s attention. They jokingly compared him to a referee, humorously suggesting that Paul might consider officiating in the future, given how much he resembled their authoritative presence. “Wouldn’t it be funny as hell if Chris Paul retired and became a ref? He kinda look like one”
The Spurs’ hard-fought victory over the Trail Blazers highlighted the team’s resilience, especially after Paul’s controversial ejection. With fans divided over his behavior, the spotlight shifted to Wembenyama. He shone as the team’s leader, propelling them to a two-game win streak. Now, they’ll aim to extend their momentum against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
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